A group of teenagers were praised for their kindness and compassion when they took part in a bike ride in memory of their friend.

Young cyclist, Rowan Lloyd, 14, from Portland sadly died in a crash in Weymouth on June 6.

Four of Rowan’s closest friends, Owen Morgan, Rhys Styles, Conor Frampton and Bailey Stringer, all aged 14, organised the ride on Sunday.

Conor said: “Owen came up to me and said ‘we should do this’ and I just thought it was a great idea so we started planning it.”

As he had taken part in cycling events before, Rhys said he undertook the meticulous planning of the route and organising the cyclists.

Thirteen of Rowan’s friends and classmates showed up to take part in the ride.

“I was thinking a few more people might come,” said Owen. “But bearing in mind it’s Father’s Day, I’m pleased with the turnout.

“I know Rowan came off his bike but we want to show that we can do this, and safely. Rowan used to ride his bike everywhere and he loved his bike a lot.”

Setting off from Portland Bill at 1pm, the riders headed up the east side of the island.

After a quick pit-stop at Fancy’s Farm they cycled through Castletown, across the Beach Road, arriving at Weymouth Pavilion just after 3pm.

Owen said there was just a few hiccups along the route, including a broken chain.

After a break and a drink, they headed back to Portland, finishing the ride at the Heights Hotel.

The riders rode in a group with radios and an adult rider while parents followed behind in cars.

“I think if Rowan was watching over us he would be so proud we were doing it all for him,” Owen said.

He added members of the community, including Fancy’s Farm and the Pavilion had rallied behind them providing places to rest and refreshments.

Nikki Fryer, whose daughter Sophie took part in the ride, said since Rowan’s death the group had been organising lots of things in his memory including a tribute and two minutes’ silence at Rowan’s favourite place on Portland the day after he died.

“They’ve thought of it and done it all completely by themselves. A lot of people have been moved by their actions,” she said.

Rowan’s mum, Sara Rushton, saw the group off at Weymouth and said: “They have really taken away my mind from the horrible accident and the heartbreak. They’ve shown just how much love they had for Rowan and for each other and how grown up they are.

“They’ve reached out to me and offered help and support. I’m so impressed with these young people and so grateful for how much love they have shown our baby.”

A crowdfunding page has been set up for the family at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/rowan-lloyd